Group mental health interventions in civilian populations in war-conflict areas: a Lebanese pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: Cognitive behavioral (CB) group therapy is an effective therapeutic intervention to treat war-related trauma. The aim of this pilot study was to describe the effects of conducting CB group therapy in a civilian population exposed to war in southern Lebanon.

Method: Participants presenting with psychiatric symptoms attended an 8-week CB group therapy intervention adapted to the Lebanese culture. Observations from therapists' field notes were reviewed and grouped into commonalities.

Findings: A majority of the total participants (N = 10) reported satisfaction with the CB therapy and a decrease in symptoms. Field notes revealed positive group interactions (i.e., sharing information, cohesiveness), therapeutic benefits (i.e., symptom identification, destigmatizing mental illness, learning coping strategies), and barriers to attendance (i.e., stigma, personal constraints).

Conclusion and implications: CB group therapy is a promising intervention for civilian survivors of war trauma. Challenges to conducting such interventions in a war-conflict area are discussed. Future research and intervention planning should address challenges faced during this study to better meet mental health needs.

Keywords: Lebanon; PTSD; cognitive-behavioral group therapy; community health; psychiatric morbidity; psychiatric/mental health; transcultural health; war-related trauma.